Context:

Kaja Sokola, a former model, testified in Harvey Weinstein's retrial, claiming he sexually assaulted her at 16, describing it as a terrifying experience. During her testimony, she recounted how Weinstein allegedly assaulted her in a Manhattan apartment, using his influence in Hollywood to silence her. Although the incident falls outside the statute of limitations, Sokola is testifying as Weinstein faces charges for a separate assault on her four years later. Weinstein's defense argues that accusers pursued relationships with him for career advancement, while Sokola and others assert he exploited his power to abuse them. The trial includes testimonies from other accusers, with a focus on Weinstein's pattern of predatory behavior amidst the #MeToo movement's revelations.

Dive Deeper:

• Kaja Sokola testified that Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted her when she was 16, stating it was the most horrifying experience of her life. She described the assault taking place in a Manhattan apartment, where Weinstein allegedly forced her to touch him and used his Hollywood connections to threaten her into silence.

• Although her initial allegations were not part of criminal charges due to the statute of limitations, Sokola is now testifying in Weinstein's retrial due to related charges concerning an assault around her 20th birthday. This testimony is part of a broader case that includes other women accusing Weinstein of similar misconduct.

• Weinstein, who has pleaded not guilty, is accused by Sokola of using his influence in the film industry to manipulate and abuse aspiring actresses, promising career opportunities in exchange for sexual acts. His defense team claims that the accusers willingly engaged with him for potential career benefits.

• The retrial follows Weinstein's previous conviction being overturned and includes testimonies from other women, such as Miriam Haley, who have accused him of sexual assault, highlighting a pattern of alleged predatory behavior.

• Sokola sued Weinstein as part of the #MeToo movement revelations, receiving a settlement, while her testimony now aims to bolster the credibility of accusations against Weinstein by exposing his alleged misconduct and manipulation of power in the entertainment industry.